How Can I Prevent Pollution?

Many people are not aware that most storm drains are connected directly into our wetlands, lakes, streams, and rivers. Unlike water that is used in your home or business, water that goes down a storm drain does not get treated at a sanitation facility.

Whatever flows down a storm drain comes out in a nearby waterway. As stormwater flows over land, down streets, and into storm drains, it picks up pollutants such as litter, lawn fertilizers, oil leaks from cars, winter sand and road salt, and pet waste. These pollutants can flow directly into our waterways.